Abstract: A power operated retractable floor extension, extending outward from the floor of a mass transit vehicle. When extended, the floor portion bridges any gap between the vehicle floor and adjacent platform, thereby providing improved passenger access to the vehicle. Generally speaking, the extended member complies with existing United States Federal Regulations.

Abstract: A serial impact printer including a platen mounted for rotation upon a support frame, a print element having character imprinting portions disposed thereon and a print element selector for moving the print element to position a selected character imprinting portion at a printing position. A high effective mass hammer, driven toward and away from the platen in a timed manner, drives each selected character imprinting portion for deforming the platen with a printing force. A carriage mounted for reciprocating movement generally parallel to the platen, supports thereon the print element, the print element selector, the hammer and the hammer driver, and a stationary reaction bar secured to the support frame is spaced from and extends parallel to the platen. The reaction bar incudes a reaction surface against which the carriage is urged for developing the printing force as the hammer deforms the platen.

Abstract: A serial impact printer comprising a support frame, a platen mounted for rotation upon the support frame, a print element having character imprinting portions disposed thereon, a print element selector for moving the print element to position a selected character imprinting portion at a printing position, a marking ribbon and a lift-off ribbon. A hammer for moving a selected character imprinting portion for deforming the platen with a printing force, and means for moving the hammer toward and away from the platen. Each ribbon is selectively positionable between the print element and the platen. A carriage mounted for reciprocating movement generally parallel to the platen supports thereon the print element, the print element selector, the marking and lift-off ribbons, means for positioning the ribbons, means for advancing the marking ribbon, the hammer, and the means for moving the hammer. A single D.C.

Abstract: A typewriter carriage cable snubber which is automatically reset at the time power is turned on is described. The cable is normally tensioned by a mechanism which is spring driven to maintain the cable tension at the proper value, and a snubber is provided to prevent the positioner from allowing the cable path to shorten under the increased tension that occurs during carriage acceleration. When the power is turned off, the cable tends to shrink due to the decreased temperature. When power is turned on, the carriage is initialized by positioning it at the left end of its range. At this position the cable tensioning mechanism can be reset to allow a shorter cable length by having an extension of the carriage disengage the snubber, allowing the positioning mechanism to reset itself to a shorter cable length.

Abstract: Ribbon feed from a ribbon supply spool is controlled in an incrementing ribbon feed system by a pawl and ratchet brake device actuated by ribbon tension. The mechanism utilizes a single-band spring member to control ribbon tension and ribbon metering.