Abstract: A dot matrix print actuator of low cost and compact rectangular design is constructed of flat, mild steel stock. An armature is engageable with a spring loaded print wire which is guided through a passageway in the poles of the actuator which are on either side of a bobbin containing coil.

Abstract: An ink jet printer has an arrangement of nozzles in a symmetrical pattern and formed by tubular ink channels with cylindrical piezoelectric crystal or like transducers surrounding the tubular channels. The arrangement of nozzles is contained in a small and compact package and is capable of serial printing dot matrix characters in columnar manner.

Abstract: A visual indication of low ink supply wherein a soluble-dye fluid is added to the ink supply and floats on the surface of the ink. The low ink supply is indicated by a change in color printed on the record media by reason of the indicating fluid having different characteristics from the printing ink.

Abstract: A valve member is positioned in an ink cavity carried by a bidirectionally movable print head and is operable to open and close the inlet and the outlet of the cavity to minimize fluctuations of the ink due to acceleration and deceleration of the print head.

Abstract: A rotary ink jet printer has an ink supply in a rotating reservoir wherein a major portion of the ink supply is isolated from the ink feed system during the printing operation. A cylindrical reservoir has a central cavity and a surrounding or outer cavity connected by an orifice opened and closed by means of a ball valve to control the flow of ink or ink supply from the central cavity to the outer cavity.

Abstract: A matrix print wire solenoid has a small diameter print wire which wire is propelled against printing paper and inking ribbon by the linear motion of the solenoid plunger, to which the print wire is attached, in an improved impact printer having a plurality of solenoids positioned in a row for use in dot matrix printing. The solenoid features a low cost construction, a reduction in size, and increased operating speed, and has pole pieces which are separated by an inner gap and which pieces are aligned with a coil bobbin which provides a guide surface for the armature plunger. The space between the plunger and a forward bushing or spacer is occupied by a coil spring which has one end seated over a portion of the armature and the other end seated against the face of the bushing. The coil bobbin defines an air gap between one pole piece and the armature.

Abstract: The print head carriage for a printer has end-mounted toothed clutches secured thereto and engageable with mating toothed clutches mounted on the carriage support shaft for rotation thereof upon near end of travel of the carriage across the printer. The teeth of the carriage mounted clutches are one-half pitch length out of phase with the teeth of the mating clutches so that, at each end of carriage travel, the mating clutches are caused to be incrementally rotated to thereby rotate the carriage support shaft and the record media drive shaft for advancing the record media a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A plurality of printing stations are spaced across a machine wherein a feed or drive assembly for paper or like record media is associated with each station, each of the feed or drive assemblies being self-contained and of modular construction to enable positioning of an assembly in any desired location along a drive shaft. One drive mechanism includes a clutch member and associated drive gears and rollers to incrementally advance receipt paper in one direction, a second drive mechanism includes the clutch member and additional drive gears and rollers to advance journal paper in said one direction for rewinding and storage thereof in the machine, and a third drive mechanism includes the clutch member and further drive gears and rollers to advance slip or form paper in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A pair of compensating wheels are carried by a print head carriage in position to ride on record media being printed and are rotatably driven by frictional contact therewith, the wheels having overriding clutches associated with their respective shafts to permit driving of one shaft and its gear in alternate manner with the other shaft and its gear. The respective driving gear engages with a driven gear on a third shaft for rotation thereof and thereby drives the ribbon in one direction. Upon return of the print head carriage in the opposite direction, the action of the overriding clutches is reversed to permit driving of the other shaft while the first shaft and its wheel are free wheeling. Regardless of the direction of travel of the print head carriage, the ribbon drive shaft is rotated in the same direction.