Printer with removable print carriage

摘要

A compact data printer has a printing assembly cantilevered from a pedestal containing the power and control electronics. A tractor feed within the printing assembly draws the print medium (e.g. fan-folded paper) vertically from a supply stack and discharges it, after printing, at a location very near its entrance location to provide a compact print assembly. A print carriage containing a printing band, an anvil, a drive motor, and a ribbon cassette is quickly demountable by an operator from the main frame on which it rests to thereby facilitate maintenance or repair. A compact ribbon cassette minimizes storage volume when stored and protects the user against ribbon smudge during mounting on the print carriage.