Wear-activated ribbon reinker
AssigneePorelon, Inc.
InventorAndrew D. Stipanuk
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus for delayed replenishment of marking fluid to a ribbon, characterized by a source of marking fluid adjacent to the ribbon and a wear-actuated device to cause delayed contact of marking fluid with the ribbon. Preferred embodiments include a roller rotatable on an axle and means to apply wear-producing frictional pressure between the roller and axle along one radius such that the roller moves along the radius during wear-producing operation. The frictional pressure may be applied by the ribbon. Other preferred embodiments include an axle and roller of particular configuration, an eccentric mounting of the axle to provide adjustability of the delay interval, and an endless ribbon cartridge.
Claims35
A device for replenishing marking fluid to a ribbon comprising:
- a source of marking fluid adjacent said ribbon;
- and
- wear-actuated means to cause contact of said marking fluid and said ribbon.
A ribbon cartridge comprising:
- a case having substantially parallel, spaced major walls, said case defining an inlet and an outlet;
- an endless ribbon within said case and looping outside thereof through said inlet and outlet;
- a source of marking fluid within said case adjacent a portion of said ribbon;
- and
- wear-actuated means to cause contact of said marking fluid and said ribbon portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.