Random stuffer ribbon cartridge with improved ribbon exit control

Abstract

A ribbon exit control, for a random stuffing ribbon cartridge is disclosed which prevents the accidental jamming of the ribbon at the exit port of the storage chamber. The exit port is formed by two mating members whose surfaces are configured, when mated, to form a slot of curvelinear shape such as the form of an arc of a circle or an angled relatively flat lazy V shape. An alternate form is a slot punched in a one piece member to define the slot. The deformation of the slot from that of a straight line causes the ribbon to buckle as it is pulled from the storage chamber and to assume a cross-section other than that of a straight line. This acts to separate the ribbon strand being removed from the chamber, from any other adjacent folds of the ribbon. Since the ribbon strand and the adjacent folds are separated by the deforming of the ribbon it is more difficult for an adjacent fold to be pulled into the exit gate thereby causing a jam. The width of the slot is controlled by width control fingers extending across the end of the slot to an abutment surface. The uniform slot width improves reliability and the width control fingers further act as top and bottom constraints preventing the ribbon from pulling out of the slot and circumventing the exit port. The fingers also regulate not only the slot width but also the uniformity of the slot width top to bottom.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.