Abstract: In a mini C-arm x-ray imaging system in which an x-ray source and detector are mounted at opposite ends of a C-shaped track which is supported for sliding orbital movement along its axis of curvature for positioning the source and detector in relation to an object to be imaged, a locking mechanism including a brake shoe bearing against the track, a screw and nut carried by the track-supporting structure for moving the shoe toward and away from the track, a resilient bias acting between the shoe and the screw to urge the shoe toward the track, a handle for turning the screw to move the shoe, and a detent acting between the handle and the support structure to provide a plurality of discrete settings for the handle, respectively representing incrementally different forces exerted by the shoe against the track.

Abstract: A refuse collecting device includes a frame configured with a longitudinal channel, an actuating member, a disposable container, and U-shaped retaining members. The actuating member is positioned within the channel and freely slides through the channel. The U-shaped retaining member releasably retains the disposable container to the actuating member. The disposable container is attached to the frame by sliding the container hinge over the U-shaped retaining member. After the container is attached, sliding the actuating member upward within the channel causes the container to close thereby picking up the refuse. The container is self-locking when closed and can be removed by sliding the container off the U-shaped retaining member.

Abstract: A serial impact printer including a platen mounted for rotation upon a support frame, a print element having character imprinting portions disposed thereon and a print element selector for moving the print element to position a selected character imprinting portion at a printing position. A high effective mass hammer, driven toward and away from the platen in a timed manner, drives each selected character imprinting portion for deforming the platen with a printing force. A carriage mounted for reciprocating movement generally parallel to the platen, supports thereon the print element, the print element selector, the hammer and the hammer driver, and a stationary reaction bar secured to the support frame is spaced from and extends parallel to the platen. The reaction bar incudes a reaction surface against which the carriage is urged for developing the printing force as the hammer deforms the platen.

Abstract: A serial impact printer comprising a support frame, a platen mounted for rotation upon the support frame, a print element having character imprinting portions disposed thereon, a print element selector for moving the print element to position a selected character imprinting portion at a printing position, a marking ribbon and a lift-off ribbon. A hammer for moving a selected character imprinting portion for deforming the platen with a printing force, and means for moving the hammer toward and away from the platen. Each ribbon is selectively positionable between the print element and the platen. A carriage mounted for reciprocating movement generally parallel to the platen supports thereon the print element, the print element selector, the marking and lift-off ribbons, means for positioning the ribbons, means for advancing the marking ribbon, the hammer, and the means for moving the hammer. A single D.C.

Abstract: A print wheel for serial printing devices of the type wherein print fonts are arranged upon a disc print wheel member. The print wheel has both coarse alignment and fine alignment means formed therein; the coarse alignment means for driving the print wheel, and the fine alignment means for accurately positioning the wheel during hammer impact.

Abstract: An impact printer of the type wherein a print wheel is rotated to a print position by a motor, and printing is caused by impacting a particular character on the print wheel by a print hammer. The present impact printer has the print wheel drive means and the print hammer mechanism located on opposite faces of the print wheel, which greatly facilitates removal and insertion of print wheels in the printer.

Abstract: An impact printer of the type wherein a print wheel is rotated to a print position by a drive motor, and printing is caused by impacting a particular character on the print wheel by a print hammer. The print wheel has coarse alignment and fine alignment means formed in the print wheel. The coarse alignment means is used to drive the wheel, and the fine alignment means is utilized during hammer impact.

Abstract: Unidirectional driving torque is applied to the inputs of first and second differential gears. Each differential gear includes an output blocking gear as well as a spool output gear coupled to a spool with a ribbon web transported between the spools. A locking gear alternately engages the blocking gears and is held in position by a detent mechanism which yieldably restrains rotation of the locking gear. Each of the spool output gears are provided with unidirectional brakes. The restrained blocking gear selects the differential gear through which the input drive is transferred to its respective spool. A web tension condition causes the restrained blocking gear to rotate the locking gear against the detent and the locking gear increments to its alternate position with the previous supply spool becoming the take-up spool.

Abstract: A print hammer bumper for an on-the-fly impact printer which includes a hammer mechanism having a plurality of print hammers disposed in a linear array. The bumper serves to automatically adjust the forward force of the hammer to the number of paper plys being printed and to dampen the rebound energy of the hammer return stroke. The bumper is in the form of an elongated material having two portions each exhibiting different characteristics. A first portion of the bumper, which is positioned to engage each of the print hammers during their forward printing stroke, exhibits a hardness characteristic such that it readily compresses to adjust the printing force to the number of paper plys being printed. A second portion of the bumper exhibits a low resiliency characteristic and is positioned to engage the hammers upon their return or rebound stroke so as to absorb the hammer rebound energy, thus preventing character overprint by a rebounding hammer again striking the paper.

Abstract: A workpiece, such as an interponent of a teleprinter is mounted for linear and pivoting movement in an elastomeric mounting element having a central section to which the workpiece is secured, a pair of end sections, and a pair of stretchable webs connecting the central section to the end sections. The end sections are mounted to a support so that the webs are stretched along a transverse mounting axis, and the workpiece is thereafter positioned by the mounting element in a stable initial position. From the initial position, the workpiece may be moved linearly or pivoted, or both, by external forces; and when so moved rotary and linear spring forces are generated in the elastomeric mounting element tending to return the workpiece toward the initial position when the external forces are removed.