Abstract: A dot matrix line printer/plotter apparatus for producing hard copy printout of digitally represented data. The apparatus utilizes one or more hammer banks, each mounted so as to shuttle across a paper web fed therepast. Each hammer bank carries a plurality of hammer assemblies, each of which can be individually actuated to print a dot as it sweeps across the paper. Each hammer bank is mounted on a circuit board which carries electronic circuitry to actuate the hammer assemblies thereon. The circuit boards are supported by leaf springs and driven by a stepper motor which shuttles the boards along linear paths to sweep each hammer assembly across a certain portion of the paper width. Each hammer assembly includes a hammer supported in a guide tube for linear movement between a retracted position and an extended position engaging the paper. A permanent magnet is provided to normally latch the hammer in its retracted position.

Abstract: A control system for a dot matrix line printer/plotter apparatus for producing hard copy printout of digitally represented data. The apparatus utilizes one or more hammer banks, each mounted for reciprocal linear movement across a paper web moving therepast. Each hammer bank carries N hammer assemblies, each of which can be selectively actuated to print a dot in any of D columns in any of C characters as the bank sweeps across the paper web. The control system includes an input/output (I/O) microprocessor and a print control microprocessor, each connected so as to have access to a common random access memory (RAM). A portion of the RAM is used as multiple line buffers. Each line buffer is used to store all the character bytes which define a character line to be printed. The I/O processor accepts externally supplied data and loads character bytes for each sequential character line into a different line buffer.

Abstract: Interface and control apparatus for translating color video signals from a video terminal or the like into control signals useful by a dot matrix impact printer/plotter for producing a hard copy image. The color video signals are digitized and used to address a programmed read only memory having a plurality of addressable locations. The memory stores a table for translating color video signals defining a three-dot video pixel into control signals enabling a printer/plotter apparatus to produce a hard copy image of a substantially equivalent four-dot printer/plotter pixel.

Abstract: A dot matrix line printer comprised of a main frame assembly and a shuttle frame assembly hinged thereto for limited pivotal movement around a horizontal hinge axis. The main frame assembly carries a paper drive subassembly and an adjustable platen subassembly. The shuttle frame assembly carries one or more hammer banks and a shuttle drive motor for shuttling each bank to move the hammers thereof along a print row extending across the width of the paper parallel to the front face of the platen. By pivoting the shuttle frame assembly up and away from the main assembly, ready access is afforded to the paper path for loading and to the hammer banks for servicing. Each hammer includes a hammer element mounted on the free ends of first and second spaced parallel leaf springs for linear movement toward and away from a paper to be printed upon.

Abstract: A printer/plotter system for producing a multiple color hard copy output in response to digital input data. The system includes one or more impact hammers, each capable of printing a single dot with the hammers being arranged to selectively print dots along a defined print line. The system further includes an ink ribbon having multiple zones of different colors carrying encoded identifying indicia. In response to input data defining a dot pattern and the color in which it is to be printed, the ribbon is searched to position the first identified ribbon color zone in front of the impact hammers. After the pattern for that color is printed, the ribbon is again searched and the next identified color zone is moved into print station, i.e. in front of the impact hammers, and the pattern associated therewith is printed. A paper control system is provided to move the paper to be printed upon in a forward direction as information is printed in each color.

Abstract: A printer/plotter system for producing a multiple color hard copy output in response to digital input data. The system includes one or more impact hammers, each capable of printing a single dot with the hammers being arranged to selectively print dots along a defined print line. The system further includes an ink ribbon having multiple zones of different colors carrying encoded identifying indicia. In response to input data defining a dot pattern and the color in which it is to be printed, the ribbon is searched to position the first identified ribbon color zone in front of the impact hammers. After the pattern for that color is printed, the ribbon is again searched and the next identified color zone is moved into print station, i.e. in front of the impact hammers, and the pattern associated therewith is printed. A paper control system is provided to move the paper to be printed upon in a forward direction as information is printed in each color.

Abstract: A printer/plotter system for producing a multiple color hard copy output in response to digital input data. The system includes one or more impact hammers, each capable of printing a single dot with the hammers being arranged to selectively print dots along a defined print line. The system further includes an ink ribbon having multiple zones of different colors carrying encoded identifying indicia. In response to input data defining a dot pattern and the color in which it is to be printed, the ribbon is searched to position the first identified ribbon color zone in front of the impact hammers. After the pattern for that color is printed, the ribbon is again searched and the next identified color zone is moved into the print station, i.e. in front of the impact hammers, and the pattern associated therewith is printed. A paper control system is provided to move the paper to be printed upon in a forward direction as information is printed in each color.