Ribbon cartridge automatic centering system and method
AssigneeBrady Worldwide, Inc.
InventorsDon Rodriguez David, Aaron P. Ordoña, Mui Heng Too
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present disclosure is directed to a system for installing ribbon material in a printer. The system includes a spindle provided in the form of a spindle arm and a key associated with the spindle arm. The system also includes a ribbon cartridge having a keyway arranged to align with the key of the spindle arm and a ribbon roll including a supply of ribbon material. Engagement between the key and the keyway positions the ribbon cartridge on the spindle arm in a correct orientation.
Claims20
A system for installing ribbon material in a printer, comprising:
- a spindle provided in the form of a spindle arm and a key associated with the spindle arm;
- and
- a ribbon cartridge having a keyway arranged to align with the key of the spindle arm and a ribbon roll including a supply of ribbon material,
- wherein engagement between the key and the keyway positions the ribbon cartridge on the spindle arm in a correct orientation.
A ribbon cartridge for installation on a spindle of a printer, comprising:
- a supply of ribbon material;
- and
- a ribbon holder for holding the supply of ribbon material, the ribbon holder including:
- a support member having a flange, a first opening extending through the flange, and a first fail-safe member disposed about the first opening;
- and
- an end cap releasably couplable to the support member, the end cap including a second opening extending therethrough and a second fail-safe member disposed about the second opening,
- wherein the first fail-safe member and the second fail-safe member are configured to engage at least a portion of the spindle when the ribbon cartridge is being installed in an incorrect orientation, and
- wherein engagement between the spindle and the first fail-safe member or the second fail-safe member inhibits movement of the ribbon cartridge along the spindle.
A method of installing a ribbon cartridge on a spindle of a printer, comprising the steps of:
- providing a ribbon cartridge comprising:
- a support element positioned at a first end of the ribbon cartridge, the support element including a first opening and a keyway having an end wall;
- and
- an end cap positioned at a second end of the ribbon cartridge opposing the first end, the end cap having a second opening;
- aligning the ribbon cartridge with the spindle such that the first end of the ribbon cartridge is positioned adjacent to the spindle;
- mounting the ribbon cartridge onto the spindle such that the spindle extends through the first opening before extending through the second opening;
- and
- moving the ribbon cartridge along the spindle until the end wall of the keyway is engaged by a key positioned on the spindle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.