Abstract: In order to avoid the ink drying up in the nozzle apertures of the print head (80) of an ink printer (1) during lengthy pauses in printing and to prevent the nozzle apertures from becoming dirty, the printer (1) described has a cleaning and sealing station (6). Designed as an independent unit, the cleaning and sealing station (6) is located in the overshoot region (OV) of the print head carriage (7). The fact that the carriage (7) no longer requires a separate service and parking position, enables the width of the printer (1) to be reduced.

Abstract: The suction and covering device (4, 4a, 4b) described has flexible rubber insert caps (41, 41a) with a fluid-absorbing lining (42, 42a), for suctioning ink from the print heads (80) and for sealing the print heads hermetically. Each rubber insert cap (41, 41a) is associated with a duct (403, 415, 463) for pressure compensation in the rubber insert cap and with an aspiration duct (401, 400) for removing ink. In order to ensure controlled removal of ink from each rubber insert cap (41, 41a), each suction duct (401, 400) has a valve device (48, 420), wherein the valve device may be a slit-type valve or a capillary filter. A controllable closure or a diaphragm in the pressure-compensation duct prevents air from being forced into the jet nozzle apertures when coupling up.

Abstract: A ribbon cassette includes an impeller actuating element mounted at the end of a ribbon guide roller. A feed reel, on which the ribbon is mounted, rotates the guide roller, by means of the ribbon, and is mounted so as to be displaceable relative to the guide roller. The ribbon continues to rotate the guide roller as it is transported from the reel. When the remaining ribbon is at a specific length, the core of the reel halts the impeller, thereby discontinuing signals in a scanning device. Nevertheless the remaining ribbon can still be unreeled from the feed reel. The scanning of the movement of the impeller can be carried out by using a sensing mandrel attached to a spring member.

Abstract: A powered paper transport for use in association with platen machines, such as typewriters and printers, utilizing perforated margin paper. The transport mechanism is attachable and detachable adjacent the platen, is driven from the platen and is displaceable relative to the platen to provide a desired bias force on the paper between the platen and the tractor drive of the transport. Adjustable stop means are provided to limit the displaceability.

Abstract: In the illustrated embodiment, a guide element is provided in advance of the platen-pressure roller gap for the purpose of preventing creasing of thin papers during transport. The guide element may have a retracted position providing for unobstructed movement of the paper leading edge along an insertion channel and into the platen-pressure roller gap. Then during paper transport by the platen, the guide element is shifted to an active position for deflecting the paper toward the platen such that the paper contacts the platen in advance of the pressure roller over a substantial angle (e.g. 15.degree.-20.degree.). A spring for urging the guide element to active position may have a spring force more insufficient to substantially deflect thick types of paper not subject to creasing.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated printing needle of the type used in mosaic needle printing heads having printing needles moved by an axially movable armature connected to the needle is disclosed wherein the needle is provided with an armature received portion having a varying surface configuration locked into a bore in the armature by cold press forming of the armature after the needle is inserted thereinto.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for the electromagnet driving structures in a mosaic needle printer head in which each electromagnet structure is mounted on a supporting member provided with recesses of generally cup-shaped configuration in each recess of which a electromagnet structure is disposed, and maintained in operative position by a spring element, means preferably being provided for effecting an adjustment of the electromagnet structure relative to the supporting member.

Abstract: Mosaic printer needle guide structure comprising at least a pair of grooved guide members assembled together and having cooperating complementary confronting grooves providing guides for the printer needles. The guides are made by stamping or embossing rolled or drawn sheet metal.

Abstract: A printer needle-plunger armature assembly for use in a mosaic needle printer head. The printer needle is secured to the plunger armature by virtue of a connection which includes a blind bore formed in the armature and lateral deformation formed on an end portion of the needle which is inserted into the blind bore, which deformations are straightened upon said insertion. Inserts including a helically wound wire coil may be disposed within the blind bore for receiving the end portion of the printer needle.

Abstract: A method of making guide devices for mosaic printer needles by stamping or embossing guide grooves in members of rolled or drawn material, assembling the members with the guide grooves in complementary cooperating matching relation, and securing the members in assembly.