Self-contained re-inking insert and ribbon cartridge device

摘要

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.