Abstract: A printer frame assembly having snap-together parts includes a base member, two side frame members, resilient cushions and an impact platen. The base member has locating receptacles to position the side frame members and interlocking flexure latches to snap-lock with corresponding locking surfaces located on the two side frame members. The interlocking flexure latches provide a bias to align the side frame members in a front-to-back direction and lateral alignment channels to prevent lateral displacement. The resilient cushions are positioned between the bottoms of the side frame members and the base member to urge the interlocking flexure latches and locking surfaces into secure engagement and to eliminate any clearances between the side frame members and the base member. The impact platen serves as a structural member of the frame and is positioned intermediate the two side frame members.

Abstract: The document transport system includes improved document drive and guide means to permit the optional feeding of a continuous web document or the feeding of individual cut form documents through the printer. A continuous web document can be fed through the printer in two feeding modes and cut form documents can also be fed through the printer in two feeding modes. Document guide means is provided for feeding documents inwardly from the top or front of the printer and both pin wheel and friction type drive means are provided.

Abstract: Operator controlled document gripper means is provided for gripping and holding a continuous web document closely downstream of the printing line of the printer so that a printed individual form can be torn away while the perforated tear line is located within the printer housing. The document gripper means includes a clamping edge on a gripper bar fixed on an access cover supported for rearward and forward sliding movement on the upper surface of the printer housing. The clamping edge is normally spaced from one face of the document to allow free passage of the document over the platen and through the printing station. With rearward sliding movement of the access cover by the operator, the clamping edge engages and presses the document against the platen to grip and hold the document while the perforated tear line is positioned closely adjacent the printing line.

Abstract: A compact code format has marking elements of two distinctive lengths which lie across a set of parallel equal height code zones. The longer of the two lengths exceeds the length of the shorter by twice the height of a code zone, thereby providing a substantial uniformity of separation between all members of the code set.

Abstract: A power driven belt provides back-up pressure for a check or similar document bearing magnetic information as the document moves past a reading transducer. The belt is resiliently urged against cylindrical bearing surfaces adjacent the transducer to provide a non-critical geometry.