Abstract: A self-threading and feeding arrangement for a printer including a drop-in supply station, a printing station and a take-up station. A pay-out roller is journaled across the bottom arcuate wall of the supply station for supporting a web of print receiving media placed therein. A take-up spool includes a retainer for interengaging with a lead of the media web to positively draw the web around the rotated spool. The take-up station also includes a slot-like exit guide chute that has a contoured tip for cooperating with the retainer on the take-up spool, during loading of a new roll, to place the web lead into engagement with the retainer. A drive roller, and preferably the pay-out roller, are driven by a first stepping motor, and the take-up spool is driven by a separately actuable second stepping motor.

Abstract: An impact printing apparatus includes an armature and print wire assembly in which a plastic arm is injection molded to interact with recesses in an armature and to surround a portion of a print wire to provide a rigid interconnection between the armature and the print wire.

Abstract: A mechanism for compensating for different thicknesses of record media at a printing station utilizes a platen assembly which is coupled with a pivotable arm structure to move the platen assembly toward and away from the print head. The pivotable arm structure is swung in an eccentric manner relative to the center of the platen assembly to move the platen in a linear path to accommodate the record media.

Abstract: A printing apparatus is disclosed in which a platen is mounted on a forms compensation device which is pivotally mounted so as to enable record media of varying thicknesses to be placed between the platen and associated printing elements to enable printing thereon. The forms compensation device is held in printing position by latch elements thereon which cooperate with complementary elements on the printer frame. The latch elements are associated with oppositely acting axially positioned armatures of a single-coil solenoid mounted on the forms compensation device, so that the solenoid is energized only when it is desired to move the latch elements out of engagement with the complementary elements on the printer frame, to enable the forms compensation device to be moved to a remote non-printing position in which record media may readily be inserted between the platen and the associated printing elements.

Abstract: A mechanical damper system for use in a multiple wire, dot matrix print head to dampen the motion of each print wire actuator when such actuator returns from the printing position to the non-printing or home position. A single injection-molded plastic piece includes a plurality of plunger backstops arranged in a circle and spring-hinged for impact against a rubber damper by the respective print wire actuators.

Abstract: A dot matrix print head has a unitary member in the manner of a ring with a plurality of integral projections formed to position the armatures of print wire actuators, and ring portions to space the forward and rearward assembly of parts of the print head. An annular resilient member provides means for retaining the print wire actuators in one position.

Abstract: A fastener-backstop member secures the coil assemblies to the housing of a print head by means of a flange portion at one end and a plurality of fingers at the other end thereof. The member has a flat surface between the ends thereof to provide a home position for the printing elements.

Abstract: A wire matrix print head includes a generally circular portion for supporting a plurality of electromagnetic actuators and their associated armatures for driving print wires which are supported and guided in a nose portion of the housing a precise distance from a non-printing to a printing position. The print wire support and guide system is assembled separately from the main body of the print head to facilitate the insertion of the print wires.

Abstract: A plurality of solenoid bobbins or bobbin wound coils are collectively attached to and supported from one surface of a printed circuit board and the coil wires are securely connected to the conductors on the board.

Abstract: A matrix print wire solenoid actuator for a high speed wire matrix printer is disclosed wherein a small diameter print wire is propelled against printing paper and ribbon by the linear motion of the solenoid plunger, to which the print wire is attached, in an improved impact printer having one or more in number and variously arranged print wires for use in dot matrix printing. High magnetic circuit efficiency, high repetition rate and minimized plunger coil heating and plunger mass are achieved by providing a continuous magnetic flux path through the solenoid interrupted only by two working air gaps of low reluctance for generating accelerating force on the plunger during coil energization. The opposing air gap surfaces formed by the plunger and solenoid pole pieces are conical for insuring that both air gaps generate accelerating force on the plunger.