GB945606A - Ink ribbon feed and reverse mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

945,606. Ink-ribbon mechanisms. SMITH-CORONA MARCHANT Inc. April 21, 1960 [July 24, 1959], No. 10994/62. Divided out of 945,603. Heading B6F. In an ink-ribbon feeding and reversing mechanism for type-printing machines comprising a rotatable member driven from a constantly rotated member and connected to the driving member of a positive clutch device having two drive positions, and an intermediate neutral non-driving position, the driven members of the clutch in its two positions being connected respectively to the hubs of two ribbon spools, the positive drive is through inclined teeth on the clutch members, means is provided for moving and retaining the clutch driving member in engagement with the driven members, and the reaction force between the teeth moves the driving member to the neutral position when it is not positively maintained in one of its driving positions, and means is included to shift the position of the clutch driving member to reverse the drive when the ribbon on either spool from which ribbon is being unwound becomes substantially exhausted. The ribbon mechanism is incorporated in the high-speed teleprinter described in Specification 945,603 and which is arranged to operate so that the ribbon-feed is discontinued if signals have ceased for a predetermined period, and in which, on resumption of signal reversion, the ribbon feed proceeds in the same direction as that prior to the interruption. Ink-ribbon feed mechanism.-The ink ribbon is passed from spools 945, 946 over guiding rollers 968 with associated operating rollers 971, 972 and means to guide the tape over a guide plate 924 for the tape and beneath the type-wheel (not shown). The spools are alternately driven from clutch members 931, 932 having inclined driving teeth and a slidable driving sleeve 937 on a shaft 906 driven from a continuously rotated member of the receiver by a chain 342. The selective direction of the ink ribbon feed is controlled by magnets E1 E2 which through an armature 965 and lever 964 rotate a yoke member 962 engaging pins on a clutch operating member 942 connected to sleeve 937. When the ribbon on a spool is nearly exhausted, a tag member raises, for example, the roller 971 which via arm 974 operates a micro-switch S1 to energize the magnet E1 to move the clutch to effect the drive of the empty spool. If incoming signals cease for a predetermined period, e.g. 1 sec., the magnet E1, or E2, is de-energized, and the clutch control member 942 takes up a central non-driving position due to the inclined teeth on the clutch driving and driven members. When signals are resumed, a memory circuit effects re-energization of the appropriate magnet E1 or E2 so that the ribbon movement continues in the same direction as before the interruption. The chain drive 342 between the constantly rotating members 340, 941 is passed over tensioning and direction-changing rollers.