Patent ID: 6422771
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A ribbon cartridge for use in a shorthand machine, the cartridge comprising:a cartridge housing having a main section and a pair of ribbon guide arms extending from said main section; an endless loop ribbon having a substantially short total length extending through said main section, said guide arms, and a space between said guide arms; said cartridge being configured such that said endless loop ribbon traveling therethrough does not contact itself and remains substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by said cartridge housing; an ink reservoir; an advancing gear situated within said housing having exposed drive teeth for engagement with a pinion external to the housing such that when a force moves said pinion, said advancing gear also moves to advance said endless loop ribbon; and said advancing gear contacting said ink reservoir for transferring ink from said ink reservoir to said endless loop ribbon, whereby said force required to move said pinion is minimized because of the substantially short endless loop ribbon, which does not contact itself and remains substantially perpendicular with respect to said plane, and the advancing gear being in moveable contact with said ink reservoir and said endless ribbon.