Abstract: A multi-tractor shuttle printer having an array of moveable tractors such that a selected tractor and form can be shuttled into, and out of, position for printing. A drive motor is linked via cable to the tractors to shuttle them into and out of position. Guide plates located on each side of the array of tractors have guide slots into which a guide rod from each tractor fits. Movement through the path of the guide slots is controlled by a pair of flippers located in each guide plate. When a tractor is driven to the engaged position, it engages a main drive gear which controls transportation of a continuous form through the engaged tractor into the printer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a carriage control apparatus for a serial, impact computer printer. The carriage control apparatus comprises an encoder disk mounted for rotation on the carriage and having a coded pattern on its periphery, a photo sensor (and associated light source) for detecting the coded pattern and a drive means, preferably a serpentine toothed belt attached at each end to the printer's side frames that engages a sprocket wheel attached to the encoder disk to rotate the encoder disk in a fixed relationship to the carriage's position along the line of print of the printer.