Patent ID: 6511238
Filing Date: 2003-01-28
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A replaceable cassette comprising:a tape; first and second rotating reels each having said tape wound therearound beginning with first and second ends, respectively, of said tape, each of said first and second rotating reels adapted to fit over a spindle of a receiving apparatus when said cassette is inside of and received in the receiving apparatus, and each of said first and second rotating reels including: a mechanism for maintaining said tape in a taut state, wherein said mechanism for maintaining said tape in said taut state includes first drive means for rotatably driving said first rotating reel in a first direction, such that when said cassette is outside of and not received in the receiving apparatus, said mechanism for maintaining said tape in said taut state, maintains said tape in said taut state in a substantially constant manner even during conditions of any one of a group consisting of transport, storage, impact, change of temperature, and mechanical stress, wherein said mechanism for maintaining said tape in said taut state further includes: locking means for preventing said second rotating reel from rotating; and means for forming a resilient recall, such that when said cassette is outside of and not received in the receiving apparatus, said means for forming said resilient recall applies a stress to said first drive means and to said locking means, and such that when said second rotating reel is prevented from rotating by said locking means, said first drive means rotatably drives said first rotating reel until said tape reaches a preselected position of tension, said stress of said means for forming said resilient recall aiding in maintaining said tape in said taut state according to said preselected position of tension of said tape, regardless of said conditions of any one of said group consisting of transport, storage, impact, change of temperature, and mechanical stress, wherein each of said first and second rotating reels includes a toothed wheel and said locking means includes at least one tooth for preventing said toothed wheel of said second rotating reel from rotating.