Abstract: An impact mechanism for use in an impact printer, to deliver a printing force to drive a character element against a platen by means of a print tip movable toward and away from the platen. A rockable bail bar having an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the axis of the platen is constrained to limited angular movement toward and away from the platen by a prime mover connected to the bail bar. A push rod interconnects the print tip and the bail bar for delivering impact forces to the platen as the bail bar is moved toward the platen. The push rod is normally of a first length and rigid delivering impact forces to the platen and is collapsible to a second length, shorter than the first length, for drawing the print tip away from the platen so as to allow the character element to be removed. A collapsing mechanism is provided to convert the push rod from the first length to the second length.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting a carriage assembly in a printing relationship to a platen. The carriage supports the printing mechanism including a print element. The distance between the carriage with the print element and the platen is adjusted by the adjustment apparatus, which rotates the carriage about a first support rail by changing the distance between the carriage and a second support rail.

Abstract: For use in an impact printer having a movable carriage, a motor supported by the carriage and including a rotatable shaft, and a drive coupling member affixed to an end of the shaft, apparatus is provided for loading a print wheel contained in a cartridge onto the drive coupling member in order for the print wheel to be rotated by the motor. The apparatus includes a support member mounted to the carriage for movement therewith. A guide member is mounted to the support member for movement generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft between first and second positions. The guide member is adapted when in its first position to engage and guide the movement of a print wheel cartridge along the guide member in a direction generally transverse to the axis of rotation of the shaft.