Abstract: An improved wire matrix impact print head comprising a plurality of variable length impact print wires or styli, each having an input end for receiving a propelling force and an output end for delivering an impact to a recording medium. The wire styli are extended from the input end to the output end through a stylus guide assembly where the styli are arranged at the input end of the guide assembly in an irregular oval-like configuration, to favor certain frequently used styli with less bow or bend of their paths, and the styli are arranged at the output end in a continuous linear array configuration. At the input end of the guide means the styli are supported by a bearing assembly which comprises two support plates connected to each other, each plate having a plurality of guide apertures about its outer periphery for receiving the styli.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a supply of printing material, a drive assembly coupled to the printing material and capable when enabled of advancing the material along a predetermined path past a printing station, and a detection device for detecting when the printing material fails to be advanced by at least a first predetermined amount when the drive assembly has been enabled to advance the material by at least a second predetermined amount.

Abstract: A carriage assembly for transporting a print member along a predetermined path adjacent a support member comprises a first carriage section adapted to be mounted adjacent the support member for movement along the predetermined path, apparatus for mounting a print member to the first carriage section for movement between first and second positions relative to the support member, and apparatus coupled to the mounting apparatus for retaining a print member mounted to the frame in each of its first and second positions. The retaining apparatus includes a biasing member for biasing the print member in a direction opposite its second position when at its first position and in a direction opposite its first position when at its second position. The biasing member preferably includes an over-center tensioned spring coupled between the first carriage section and the mounting apparatus.

Abstract: A ribbon cartridge comprising a housing, a supply reel containing a supply of ribbon wound thereon, a take-up reel, means for rotatably mounting the supply reel at a first location in the housing, means for rotatably mounting the take-up reel at a second location in the housing, the second location being spaced both vertically and horizontally from the first location, and means for transferring ribbon along a predetermined path from the supply reel onto the take-up reel.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a carriage about an elongate shaft for linear movement of the carriage along the shaft. The apparatus comprises an elongate tubular housing to which a carriage may be mounted, the housing having opposing normally open ends, a pair of linear bearings mounted in the housing in spaced apart relation adjacent respective opposing ends thereof, the bearings having aligned openings for receiving an elongate shaft in contacting relatively movable relation, and means included in the housing for lubricating the bearings during movement of the housing along an elongate shaft disposed therethrough.