US 5,314,258 A · Self-contained re-inking insert and ribbon cartridge device

Abstract

A method and device is shown for converting a conventional printer cartridge into a self-contained re-inking cartridge. A conventional printer cartridge is modified by providing an access hole in its top panel and a re-inking insert is positioned within the access hole. The re-inking insert includes a slit formation allowing passage of the ribbon therethrough. The insert further includes a source of ink and a roller assembly for delivering ink in metered fashion to the ribbon. Thus, under the present invention a wide variety of conventional printer cartridges may be converted, for example by a value-added intermediate manufacturer, into self-inking cartridges having a life span determined by the durability of the ribbon, rather than the ribbon length and ink saturation thereof.

Claims16

Dependent claims

In combination a re-inking insert and a pre-existing printer-ribbon cartridge, the cartridge including an endless ribbon configuration and a pocket portion within the cartridge through which said ribbon traverses in operation, said insert comprising:

a wall defining a cavity of said insert, said wall including a side wall portion and a floor portion whereby said cavity may be placed within said pocket and slit formations in both said side wall portion and said floor portion allowing a portion of said ribbon to pass into and through said cavity through said floor portion during insertion of said insert into said pocket portion and through said side wall portion during operation of the ribbon cartridge;
an ink source within said cavity;
and
an ink transfer mechanism within said cavity coupling said ink source and said portion of said ribbon passing through said cavity whereby said ribbon may receive a replenishing ink supply during use of said ribbon cartridge.

1 more element

A re-inking insert in combination with a pre-existing printer-ribbon cartridge, the cartridge including an endless ribbon configuration and a pocket portion through which said ribbon traverses in operation, said insert comprising:

a wall defining a cavity of said insert, said wall including a side wall portion and a floor portion, said cavity may be interposed within said pocket and slit formations in both said side wall portion and said floor portion for allowing said ribbon to pass into and through said cavity through said floor portion during insertion of said insert into said pocket portion and through said wall portion during operation of the ribbon cartridge;
an ink source within said cavity;
an ink transfer mechanism carrying ink from said ink source to said portion of said ribbon passing through said cavity when said ribbon is moving through said cavity, and not carrying ink from said ink source to said portion of said ribbon passing through said cavity when said ribbon is not moving through said cavity whereby said ribbon may receive a replenishing ink supply during use of said ribbon cartridge;
and
mounting structure of said insert allowing said insert to be placed within said pocket and attached to said cartridge.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Self-contained re-inking insert and ribbon cartridge device

Life of this patent

Self-contained re-inking insert and ribbon cartridge device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16