Patent ID: 6682241
Filing Date: 2004-01-27
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A thermal printer apparatus comprising:a cassette assembly for storing a thermal ribbon having dye, the thermal ribbon including a supply ribbon core and a take-up ribbon core, the cassette assembly including a supply ribbon support for supporting the supply ribbon core and a take-up ribbon support for supporting the take-up ribbon core, the cassette assembly being removable from the apparatus; a thermal print head positionable in engagement with the thermal ribbon for transferring dye from the thermal ribbon to a receiver sheet; a loading aid coupled to the printer apparatus and having structure for supporting the cassette assembly after the cassette assembly is removed from the apparatus, the loading aid supporting the cassette assembly so that the cassette assembly extends outwardly of the printer apparatus to facilitate loading of the supply ribbon core and take-up ribbon core in the cassette assembly.