Abstract: A serial line printer uses a linear stepper motor of the variable reluctance type in which the toothed stator bar acts as a guide and support for the print mechanism carrier. Sensor elements movable with the carrier sense the presence of the teeth of the stator bar and generate timing signals usable for controlling operation of the printer and the motion of the carrier. The pitch of the teeth in the stator bar is proportional to the spacing of the print locations in a line of print.

Abstract: Magnetoresistive displacement transducer arrangement for toothed magnetic members in which each transducer is formed by a pair of interconnected sections spaced from each other by the width of a tooth to provide greater change and improved symmetry in the output signal at the tooth edges. Multiple transducers can be positioned interdigitally for compact packaging for vernier type detection of motion. Transducer embodiments for both linear and rotary motion are disclosed.

Abstract: A three phase rotary stepper motor of the variable reluctance type comprises a rotor and an annular stator having three pairs of diametrically opposed stator poles wound with bifilar windings. The stator windings are connected so that opposed poles are energized as a pair having the same polarity. The bifilar winding is connected so that pole pairs are energized with either polarity. A two phase energization scheme is used which causes adjacent poles of two pole pairs to have opposite polarity, while the third pole pair is magnetically neutral. Every three steps of the sequence the magnetically neutral pole pair is magnetized with the reverse polarity.