Ribbon Cartridge handling apparatus

Abstract

A ribbon cartridge handling apparatus has a pair of pivotal couplings for three position handling of a ribbon cartridge in a typewriter. The apparatus includes a cartridge receiving receptacle pivotally supported on a first pivot coupling on a rocker. A second pivot coupling on a frame support structure in the typewriter pivotally supports the rocker. A first operative position of the apparatus locates the receptacle in an open position for allowing insertion of the ribbon cartridge into the typewriter. A second operative position of the apparatus locates the receptacle together with the ribbon cartridge in a non-printing position located near a print station in the typewriter. The receptacle is operatively pivoted about the first pivot coupling between the first and second operative positions. A third operative position of the apparatus locates the rocker together with the receptacle carrying the ribbon cartridge in a print position at the print station in the typewriter. The rocker is pivoted by a lift mechanism in the typewriter for oscillating the ribbon cartridge about the second pivot coupling between the second and third operative positions. A latch device is provided on the rocker to operate in conjunction with features on the ribbon cartridge for releasably holding the ribbon cartridge on the receptacle.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.