Abstract: An impact printer is provided which is capable of printing at either 10 characters per inch (standard pitch) or 15 characters per inch (compressed pitch) by changing the type character carrying member, such type carring member including multiple font character sets thereon. The type character carrying members or bands include timing marks thereon for detecting or sensing the type band (standard or compressed pitch), the type character font set, and for tracking the type characters on the band. The printer also includes time shared hammer means which are movable or shifted a precise distance of 1/10 inch for a standard pitch band or a precise distance of 1/15 inch for a compressed pitch band, such movement being operable by control mechanism responsive to pulses derived from the timing marks relative to the horizontal position mechanism and the type band on the printer (standard or compressed pitch).

Abstract: A prime mover is connected to a drive train in a printer to provide incremental or intermittent motion to the paper and to the hammer bank in a time sharing manner wherein the output of a closed loop control mode having a switching amplifier and a feedback circuit utilizing pulse width modulated signals operate the system under static conditions. The drive train includes the use of a planetary gear head and electro-magnetic friction brakes for transducing the output from the prime mover to the two loads. Alternate transducing means include the use of two clutches, or a planetary gear head and band brakes.