Abstract: An impact printer is provided with an easy load print wheel mechanism. A print wheel cartridge containing a print wheel therein, is inserted into position without disturbing the position of a print wheel drive motor, a ribbon cartridge or hammer mechanism. The easy load mechanism automatically grabs the print wheel cartridge to swing the cartridge into a print wheel loaded position whereby the print wheel within the cartridge is automatically coupled to the print wheel drive motor shaft.

Abstract: A print element for an impact printer comprising a metal alloy insert member having a plurality of beams extending radially outward from a center section having an opening in the center thereof and a plurality of apertures spaced around the center opening and positioned between the center opening and the beams. Molded to the ends of the beams are character slugs having an impact surface engageable by hammer means, a print section having a print surface shaped in the form of a character and a capture section for coupling to the end of a beam whereby the energy imparted to the slug by a print hammer is substantially reflected in stresses in the print section of the slug rather than the capture section. A plastic hub is fixedly coupled to the insert member by a plurality of projections, each of which extends through a respective one of the apertures in the insert member and coacts therewith.