Abstract: The document transport system includes improved document drive and guide means to permit the optional feeding of a continuous web document or the feeding of individual cut form documents through the printer. A continuous web document can be fed through the printer in two feeding modes and cut form documents can also be fed through the printer in two feeding modes. Document guide means is provided for feeding documents inwardly from the top or front of the printer and both pin wheel and friction type drive means are provided.

Abstract: An emiter marking pattern is provided on a lead screw in parallel with the thread of the lead screw. A carriage driven along by the lead screw contains a transducer for sensing the emitter marking pattern on the lead screw to produce electrical output signal pulses indicative of incremental displacement of the carriage. A printhead can be mounted on the carriage and the electrical output signal pulses from the transducer used to control printing operations. The emitter marking pattern can be designed to provide control signals for other purposes, for example for controlling start-up, running, deceleration and reversal of a motor driving the lead screw.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving a print heat of a serial matrix printer into or out of contact with a recording medium in which the required motion is achieved during translation of the print head along the print line by a cam and follower and in which the contact pressure of the print heat is resiliently maintained.