Abstract: A damper for line printers and the like in which the print head moves from left to right across a paper document during the printing phase and upon completion of a line of print, moves in the "carriage return" direction at a more rapid rate to return to the left-hand margin of the paper document preparatory to the printing of the next line of characters.The damper is utilized to attenuate and cushion the impact of the print head as it approaches the left-hand margin of the paper document and comprises a stationary mounted cylinder and a cooperating print head mounted plunger having a rollably mounted O-ring.

Abstract: A high speed solenoid assembly especially adapted for use in impact printers of the dot matrix type. The solenoid coil, when energized, drives the solenoid armature and a print wire connected thereto for impact against an inked ribbon and paper document to form a dot upon the paper document. The armature is initially driven against the biasing force of a "weak" spring to facilitate rapid acceleration to impact velocity. Just before the print wire strikes the inked ribbon and paper document, the armature comes under the influence of a "kicker" spring having a greater spring force and which is flexed by the moving armature which serves to return the armature to the non-impact position at a more rapid rate when the solenoid coil is deenergized.The use of a headed armature with a depression along its rear surface serves to significantly reduce armature "bounce".

Abstract: A drive for advancing paper or other sheet material through a printing station, or the like, including: a toothed, flexible belt carrying spaced pins for engaging the sheet material, the belt having a respective drive sprocket engaging tooth for each pin; a drive sprocket with which the belt teeth are engaged and including grooves for receiving and engaging the belt teeth; a stationsry idler guide cooperating with the drive sprocket for tensioning and guiding the belt. The support frames for the pins on the belt are designed to prevent the pins from twisting during paper and feed operations. A linear guide serves to maintain the pins in alignment; a mounting means clamps the drive sprocket to a drive shaft without play therebetween.